Concert: Beatrice and Benedict at Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Share via

Robin Ticciati and the SCO, who have proved their worth in Berlioz in the past few years, opened their season with this rarely performed gem

To love or not to love; that is the quickly resolved question in Berlioz’s late-life take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, a comic divertissement that puts all its operatic focus on getting the reluctant lovers, Beatrice and Benedict, to the altar. It was a gift for Robin Ticciati and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, who have proved their worth in Berlioz in the past few years, opening their 40th anniversary season in now traditional opera-in-concert style with this rarely performed gem.

Berlioz’ Beatrice and Benedict is a neat caprice full of comedic flourish and soaring lyricism; Shakespeare shorn of its